The Sport of Patience and Perseverance

          Everyone has heard the saying from Malcolm Gladwell about becoming a phenom in any subject requires 10,000 hours of practice. However, truly mastering soccer probably takes about twice that, considering there are so many different aspects involved. Think about all the different things you would have to master - fitness, speed, strength, mental strength, dribbling, passing, shooting, curving the ball, moves, footwork, etc. Basically if you want to master the game of soccer you have to be super motivated for a very long stretch of time.
          Needless to say, soccer requires tons of practice an effort. Players gain an enormous advantage if they can start young. The adolescent brain is very shapeable at a young age, and teaching a player young can allow it to stick in the brain as they grow up. A coach of mine always said that teaching a child is way easier than teaching an adult, because kids are simply ready to learn.


          Throughout one's soccer career there will generally be many bumps in the road, with poor coaches, off games, injuries, etc. That is why soccer is a game demonstrating immense perseverance. If you can suffer through an injury, or sit on the bench for a season, and come back stronger than ever, then you are what the game is all about. You might have to put in extra time, grit your teeth, and shed a few tears, but that motivation is what creates a master of soccer. No one has 10,000 hours to spend on every part of the game, but there are those who have that determination to fight for the game they love and work harder than the rest. This is what creates extraordinary soccer players.
          Sure you might hate that some unskilled player is getting more playing time than you, or that your coach does not respect your way of play, or you cannot seem to win a game - but the reality is, these things happen, and these things will pass. There are good points and bad, and you have to embrace both. These bumps in the road should encourage you to fight harder and dig a little deeper.
          Today my message to all the struggling soccer players, or to those who want to take it to the next level - remember that it will not always be perfect. Be patient and push as hard as you can, and I promise you will reach your goals.

"Soccer Quotes for Motivation." Great Minds Think Fit. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Dec. 2016.